A writing class is about writing not about multitasking in order to add additional unrelated content to the writing assignment. Unless there is a reason to use restricted content give students the freedom to choose their own topics. The motivation gained will be well worth the while.
ESL/EFL Tips
The blogs in this category are written to provide ESL/EFL teachers with information, tips and suggestions for their teaching practice and help them understand that successfully teaching English to speakers of other languages (TOEFL) is an exciting way to safeguard the lingua franca for better worldwide communication. Please comment on the following blogs from your own experience:
How to Go from Being a Geeky Teacher to a Patient Leader
Language acquisition is not a matter of learning a language, it is a skill that requires practice, copious practice. This blog focuses on how to channel the practice without overdoing the instruction. Acquisition comes from knowing what has to be done to doing it repeatedly through practice. Test yourself to see if you are the geeky teacher or the patient guide?
Which Modals Made America Great in the First Place?
ESL/EFL teachers now you can teach modals and grammar through stories that model and explain what you are teaching and are also motivational for students in their lives. It's a win win situation for your students when they study tricky constructions...
Turning Those Three Tricky Modals Around
Language has hidden connotations that may affect the learner subliminally. How can we find a balance between hopeless constructions and more hopeful alternatives? See how old Greek mythology can lend us a hand...
Three English Words that Invite Repeated Failure
What are the three most pernicious words in English? The words that never lead us to where we want to go? How guilty are you of using these words and are you willing to throw them out and change your tune...
Don’t Give Students the ‘White Glove’ Treatment
When students behave horribly there is always a reason that you should find out about. Punishing them may add to the problem and not provide a long term solution. You may be shocked at how a kindergartener can cause a teacher want to leave her job, but you will be more shocked when you find out what was happening in the child's home...
How Much Is Too Much Freedom in the Classroom?
What is the balance between freedom and restraint in the classroom if you want to produce lifelong learners who are motivated long after they graduate. Learn how to motivate students and give them self esteem that lasts long after you are out of the picture...
Five Tips for Motivating Your Students to Study
Getting students to study can be as difficult as making someone drink an horrible medication so how can we make the topic interesting enough to have students perk up and become motivated to study. These tips will aid motivation to study...
How to Conduct ESL/EFL Conversation Classes with Beginners
It is easy to get advanced students into a conversation class. But how can you get a beginners with no vocabulary to carry on a conversation in a new language? Here are valuable tips to get the ball rolling...
5 ESL/EFL Tips for Skyrocketing Reading Motivation
How interesting are your ESL/EFL reading textbooks? Do the readings bore your students? This post will show you how to tweak your content and keep your students motivated even after the bell rings...